I usually don't write many reviews but since I was offered an incentive to write one for this item I took the opportunity to do so.
Even so, this item is exactly what I was looking for to use on my front porch to alert me to packages being delivered and ppl approaching my door. I don't have a window or any other way to see easily onto my porch unless I actually walk to the door and use the peephole, and even then I can't see the area closest to my door where small packages can go undetected for hours.
What I really like about this motion sensor chime is its adaptability. It has 5 volume levels including completely silent mode w just the flashing blue leds on the front of the plug-in receiver speaker unit. (I don't think those flashing leds can be turned off but they aren't so bright as to be an annoyance at night, and only flash briefly.
A widely appealing feature is the 58 varying sounds that this unit offers simply by scrolling thru them using 2 buttons on side of the speaker receiver. From simple chirps and chimes to intricate songs and melodies there's more than enough variety to accommodate most needs. *U do have to hold down the volume button also located on the side for a few seconds until u hear a ding and the LEDs flash to lock in your preferred selection tho. Otherwise the default sound will remain unchanged.
The motion sensor part of the unit is set to flash a few times when it's activated but can be adjusted to not light up if so desired. The sensing capability can also be changed from every couple of seconds to every 5+ seconds so that it doesn't continuously get reactivated when detecting movement.
Both of these settings are controlled by 2 switches inside so the 2 screws on the back need to be removed to open and change the default settings, thus the included small screwdriver. Not a big deal but, the size of the switches and whole inside area in general is very tiny and intricate so a magnifying glass or use of a phone camera would help.
Also the 2 AAA batteries included are already installed in the sensor unit, there's an on/off switch on the side, as well as a Micro USB input if u want to plug the unit in and not have to use batteries. Unfortunately for me there is no plug outlet anywhere near where I have this placed on my porch, so batteries it is.
*Instructions indicate that USB cable will not act as a charger to any installed batteries.
The swivel base can be mounted wherever u want using the 2 included mounting screws, and the sensor unit can be tilted and turned however needed. The receiver unit w the speaker plugs into a regular AC outlet wherever u need to hear the chime alert. I can keep the volume low enough that it's not an annoyance when activated, or loud enough that I can hear it upstairs, or even take the speaker upstairs and plug it in.
Lastly, the unit is not weatherproof by any means so do not place it anywhere that it can get wet.
All in all, after searching thru many different motion detector alert units and settling on this one, I am pleased w its performance and overall user adjustability. It completely meets my needs, it's small enough to be unassuming and can be placed almost anywhere.
Hey, whadda you know, there's the chirp alert going off now as I write this review. Seems I just got a small package delivered I wouldnt've otherwise known about until leaving the house later 2day, excellent.
I've had no problems or issues I've encountered yet w this item I'll have to see about it's durability and how long it will continue to function without defect.
*Will update if it stops working unexpectedly or malfunctions in any way.
Very happy w my purchase so far.
Update: Motion detector has been in use for about a month now and I've noticed some false alerts in the afternoon that I think are from shadows cast on my porch of foliage moving in the wind. Not a big deal, not much can be done about shadows, and I need the detection area to be where it is, that's the area I need motion to be detected. Still functioning properly, no other issues yet.
| Manufacturer | COTINSE |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 7.9 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 5 x 3 x 3 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | FX-B26-YB-1T1-B-HXY-1 |
| Color | Black |
| Style | A 1 Receiver+1 Sensors |
| Material | ABS |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Mounting Type | Door Mount |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
